Manager, IT Procurement

About us KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

Manager, IT Procurement About the role

As a key member of the Procurement team, this position is focused on the strategic procurement of Indirect (Non-Merchandise) Information Technology (IT) goods and services via negotiations, contract execution, supplier relationship management, spend analysis/management, change/transition management and team member development.

The Manager, IT Procurement demonstrates teamwork and commitment to the overall success of Knit Well Group and its brands and functional partners. The Manager, IT Procurement is recognized as a leader in strategic sourcing best practices and subject matter expert in IT Services that influences key business decisions and demonstrates our corporate values and commitment to high performance and talent development.

This role contributes to the broad strategy that will drive the organization's ability to leverage the company's total spend by partnering with business leaders to deliver incremental value and reduce the total cost of ownership.

The impact you can have Primary Responsibilities Providing category insight, expertise and education to maximize value of sourced solutions, including:

Establishing a global, high performance sourcing capability that includes ownership of the category sourcing strategies for key IT vendors

Stakeholder collaboration via Category Forums to align to category strategic roadmap and key initiatives

Developing and leveraging supplier relationships; identifying vendors to meet the needs of the business, while minimizing costs and maximizing value

Leveraging changing industry delivery models

Creating value through best-in-class sourcing practices

Strategy Development and Execution Develops and implements category sourcing strategies required to support Knit Well’s business roadmap by providing:

The strategic direction, insight and approach to managing supplier contracts and relationships required to procuring goods and services to meet Knit Well’s business goal.

The strategic sourcing capability and scalable solutions that will enable Knit Well to lead significant changes and maximize business value

Provides External perspective (technology, industry, sourcing best practices, peer group, macro and socio economics) relevant to Knit Well’s business needs

Provides Internal perspective (business goals and legal/regulatory considerations) in all aspects of our operations and business strategies

Develops and drives effective execution of appropriate sourcing and service delivery standards

Contract Negotiation Develop negotiation strategies and lead negotiations for key IT-related contracts.

Partner with business leaders to identify optional solutions on price, delivery, and service

Partners with stakeholders and leaders on managing entire life cycle of IT-related contracts. Includes but is not limited to:

Managing CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management) pipeline for IT-related contracts

Preparing RFP’s, negotiating business (commercial) terms of Master Service agreements

Statements of Work, including services to be provided, functionalities to be delivered, timetable and milestones for payment.

Partner with KWG Legal to negotiate and resolve contract disputes.

Directing Operations Manage and direct the sourcing activities consistent with near-term requirements for financial and non-financial performance, regulatory compliance and long-term strategic requirements.

Use a scalable delivery model and standardized approach to sourcing

Supports clear organizational expectations related to…